When you live in a city like Mumbai, one among 20 million, you’re constantly rubbing shoulders—not in the best way—throughout your day. There are always too many pedestrians, too many autorickshaws, too many traffic jams.

TL;DR? Too. Many. People.

The evidence especially smacks you in the face if you’re only looking for some quiet time with your beau. Mumbai’s many restaurants offer you enough time to sit, converse and even get into and resolve heated arguments, but there are few places where they just let you be.

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Chasing the dearth of truly relaxed dining but a generous dose of fancy, I found Bungalow 9 at Bandra’s Mount Mary Steps. The fact that it’s housed across the sprawling grounds of an old wooden mansion, once a popular wedding venue, makes the restaurant perfect for date nights.

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The multi-cuisine restaurant’s canopy-covered leafy courtyard has an abundance of tables arranged across the length of the bungalow. If that hasn’t impressed you enough, the interiors boast of an intimate tavern-style bar, and a bright family-style dining area. Choose the dimly lit table outdoors – it comes with (a much-appreciated) unhurried service, giving you and your beau plenty of chance for some QT.

Don’t miss out on their bellinis and cocktails – they make a mean martini with curry leaves. Definitely leave room for their innovative sushi platters—the Hella Hot roll includes red and green peppers, carrot, jalapeños, sesame seeds and Philadelphia cheese,and the Burmese Khow Suey that so few places make as well as Bungalow 9.

You might even spot a celebrity or two, if you’re lucky!

How to Get There:

Where: 9, St John Baptist Road, Near Lilavati Hospital, Reclamation, Bandra WestPrice: ₹2,600 for two peopleContact: +9122 61179999Timing: all days 12 Noon to 1 AM
Find them on Facebook or check out their website here.